Virgil Leroy Petersen

Virgil Leroy Petersen, the son of Alfred and Mabel Christensen Petersen, was born March 12, 1933, at his parents home west of Audubon, Iowa and died October 14, 2010 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 77 years, 7 months, and 2 days.
Virgil was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Audubon. He attended rural school in Douglas township, Audubon County and then helped operate the family farm. In 1952 he was inducted into the United States Army. During his tour of duty he served in the infantry and was stationed states side in Louisiana, Georgia, and Kansas.
On December 30, 1953, he was united in marriage to Delores Ray in Omaha, Nebraska. Four Children were born to this union. In 1954, he was honorably discharged and returned to Audubon. Virgil was employed at Jensen Motors doing auto body repair for several years. He then worked at Andersen Body Shop. In 1970 he opened Virgils Body Shop in Audubon. He repaired all types of body work on all types of motor equipment. Virgils shop was also a gathering place for morning coffee. In 1999 he sold the business and semi-retired. He has continued to do smaller projects in his garage at home.
Virgil was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Audubon. He was a member of Audubon Post No. 120, American Legion, Audubon, Iowa and was a long time member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge in Audubon. Virgil Loved spending time with his grandchildren. He had an enormous collection of Hot Wheels and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Preceding him in death were his son-in-law, Edward P. Larsen; his parents; his sister: Norma Miller, his brother: Levi Petersen; his nephew John Nelson; his niece Teri Dee Petersen;and his brother-in-law: Robert Esbeck.
He is survived by his wife Delores Petersen of Audubon, Iowa; his children: Marcia and Rodney Carlson, Sherie Parker, Gary and Kim Petersen all of Atlantic, Iowa and Cindy Larsen and Bryan Ingerslev of Exira, Iowa; his grandchildren: Brian Carlson and Jeanette Carr of Elk Horn, Iowa, Adam Carlson of Atlantic, Amanda and Billy Sackett of Marion, North Carolina, Brad and Crystal Parker and Jeremy and Tara Peterson all of Atlantic, Jenelle and Chris Conto of Ute, Iowa and Marcie Peterson of Atlantic; 11 great grandchildren, one great great grandson; his Sisters and brothers: Lil and Glee Huey, Arlene Nelson, Kenneth Petersen, Allen and Diane Petersen all of Audubon, Larry and Diana Petersen of Gray, Iowa; his sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law: Lois and Robert Blair of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Don Miller of Ft. Dodge, Iowa and Pat Esbeck of Elk Horn, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends on Monday evening October 18, 2010, at 6:30 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Bradley Ketcham on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Audubon.